Hi,
Need help deciding between the two (DOE result is out this week but assuming she got in). Daughter revisited HM and Riverdale Country and decided on HM. We received a very generous financial aids from HM. Also if financial aids is consistent when reapply if no material changes on income? Daughter thrives in rigorous environment, my worry is the social life aspect if we choose HM. But also worry the school size of Bronx Science. Commute time for both is less than 20 min. Thank you!
I think that if cost of attendance is not a factor, that I would pick HM over Bronx Science without hesitation.
Congrats!
Which school feels like more of a fit for her?
I would encourage your daughter to speak with current HM students. Maybe the HM admissions office can connect her with a student who entered in 9th grade, particularly someone who is also getting financial aid. I think you’re right to be concerned about the social life. The wealth at NYC private schools is staggering. I’m sure there are many nice kids, but they’ve grown up in a bubble and don’t realize how much privilege they have and consider “normal.”
I have many friends whose kids went to Bronx Science, and while it is big, they all got excellent educations. There are so many terrific extracurricular activities and academic opportunities. Your daughter will probably need to advocate for herself more than at HM, but that’s actually a valuable life skill.
Agree with the advice to talk to current 9th graders.
Money is just money. But the issues it can/may/could cause, are something you guys should discuss as a family. Your D gets invited to visit a friend on an exotic island over school vacation and it’s described as “all expenses paid”. Are you OK with that? And in fact- it could be all expenses paid- the family almost always flies “private”.
Parties, extra curriculars…wardrobe, household staff. Talk about it ahead of time!